RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the process through which people learn more about the Catholic faith and possibly become Catholic through receiving the sacraments in the Catholic Church.

The RCIA is Primarily a Journey of Faith

Many people begin RCIA before we hear from them. God calls us in many different ways. Some people tell me their best friend growing up was Catholic and they remember learning about Jesus by going to church with them. Others tell me they dated a Catholic, or their grandmother was Catholic, or they’ve simply developed a curiosity to learn more. Whatever your relationship with Jesus Christ is now, RCIA invites you to go deeper with it.

RCIA offers many avenues for deepening your relationship with Jesus and learning more about the Catholic Church:

through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and reflecting and praying with God’s Word

through an ever-growing desire to know Jesus personally

through study and discussion about the Catholic experience

through doubts and hesitation

through asking questions

through service and acts of mercy and justice

through becoming involved in the community

through attending Mass and worshipping

through times of quiet reflection

We hope these opportunities and more give you the tools you need to deepen your relationship with Jesus and the community and to consider whether or not you are willing to say yes to being a disciple of Jesus.

The RCIA Process

Conversion is a gradual process.

The RCIA, as a rite, marks stages along the path to full commitment in the Catholic Church.

The RCIA as a process, describes in broad terms what this gradual commitment means.

The RCIA as formation, gradually opens one to the inner transformation of the individual to commitment to discipleship through the grace of a loving God inviting and challenging the individual week by week through the Sunday Scripture readings, and to commitment to the Body of Christ through active involvement in the local church community.

How long does it take?

The Right of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a program with a definitive beginning and end. Some people will need more time than others to prepare for the lifetime commitment that comes with membership in the Catholic Church. The usual length of preparation is from one to two years. For those already baptized and who seek full communion in the Catholic Church, the time may vary.

The process of spiritual awakening/renewal and catechesis is not to be done hastily. It is best that the catechumen/candidate experience the yearly calendar of Catholic practice at least one time around in order to make an informed decision.

A person may inquire at any time. The process is continually on going.

Anyone who is seriously considering becoming a Catholic or who would simply like more information can contact: